Record Payout of Compensation to Former Owners – Government Accelerates Restitution and Fulfills Key Obligations from Chapter 23

The Government of Montenegro has taken a significant step in the process of returning and compensating former owners of expropriated property rights, securing funds for 2026. During a press conference held on this occasion, Minister Slaven Radunović and the Director of the Compensation Fund, Elmir Kurtagić, announced that the Government has changed the previous payout dynamics and secured substantially more funds for compensation, reaffirming its commitment to make the restitution process more efficient and fair. Director Kurtagić highlighted that thanks to the new regulation, beneficiaries will receive payments at the highest percentage so far, marking a major advancement in the Fund's work and contributing to faster resolution of compensation procedures. The planned payout for this year, aligned with the Fund's budget, will be significantly increased compared to the payout practices of the past 22 years. Compared to last year's payout, which covered 16% of the remaining debt and was a record since the law's implementation, this year's payout percentage will be further increased to 18%, enabling a reduction of the debt to former owners by 8,750,000 euros if the payment plan is fully realized. An additional positive note is that all individuals with remaining debts up to 10,000 euros, regardless of the percentage, will receive the corresponding amounts in a single payment this year. The conference emphasized that improving the restitution and compensation process is a key element in fulfilling the final criteria within Chapter 23, which pertains to the rule of law. Minister Radunović and Director Kurtagić urged all beneficiaries who have not yet submitted all necessary documentation to do so before the 15th.